North Korea to open new terminal at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport

North Korea will inaugurate a new terminal, reportedly six times larger than the existing one at the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport.

Operations are scheduled to begin on 1 July. The new terminal is a part of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s goal to raise the standard of living in the country.

The multi-story new terminal will be equipped with modern check-in and baggage handling facilities, three glass air bridges and multiple restaurants and stores. It will also include a control tower and a VIP terminal to the north of the international terminal.

Kim Jong-un was quoted by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying that the new terminal could be considered to be a landmark of the Songun (military-first) era.

"The new terminal is a part of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s goal to raise the standard of living in the country."

Since assuming power in 2011, Kim Jong-un has announced various signature projects, such as a ski resort, water park, and riding stables, which are, however, said to be out of reach of the average citizens.

According to sources quoted by the Washington Post, the country intends to attract one million tourists annually.

The current estimates indicate that only 100,000 tourists including around 5,000 to 6,000 Europeans are said to visit the country in a year.

Most travellers using the airport are said to be flying between Pyongyang and Beijing. The majority of the country’s tourists are said to be from their ally country China.

Investments have been made in the new terminal even as the country is facing its worst drought in a century that could lead to severe food shortage.